Last-Minute Christmas Shopping: A Day-by-Day Plan for Dec. 15 to 24

What still ships in time, by date

USPS publishes recommended send-by dates for delivery before December 25. For the contiguous United States in 2026, the dates are as follows. These are recommendations, not guarantees, so ship earlier if you can.

Military addresses have earlier dates. USPS lists November 4 for Ground Advantage, December 9 for First-Class Mail and Priority Mail, and December 16 for Priority Mail Express Military to APO, FPO and DPO addresses. Packages to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories follow different expectations, and Ground Advantage can take 10 days or more, so check the delivery estimate for your ZIP Codes.

A day-by-day plan for Dec. 15 to 24

Use the table below as a countdown. Each day has one job, so you are never deciding what to do next. Adjust it to your own list, and move faster if you are mailing to a far-away address.

The point of the plan is to take decisions out of the last few days. By December 18, everything that has to travel through the mail should be on its way, and the rest should be gifts you can pick up, print or send online.

Buy online, pick up in store, and same-day options

In-store pickup is the best backup once shipping deadlines pass. Many retailers let you order online and collect the item in person, which avoids empty shelves. Same-day delivery services may also be available for some items and addresses.

• Confirm that the item is in stock at the pickup location before you drive there.
• Read the order-by time for pickup or same-day delivery, which differs by retailer and location.
• Keep your confirmation email and ID handy for pickup.
• Allow extra time on the busiest days, and plan for a backup if a store runs out.
• Check the store's holiday hours for December 24 before you plan to go.

We have not verified individual retailers' pickup deadlines or same-day coverage, so use their websites for current details. For ideas you can buy at almost any store, see our stocking stuffer ideas.

Digital gifts and printables that arrive instantly

When the mail has closed, digital gifts become the fastest route. They arrive by email or text in seconds, and you can print a card or a certificate at home to give them a physical feel.

• E-gift cards for a place the person already loves, with a personal message.
• A subscription to a service they would use, such as music, books or a class.
• An e-book or audiobook, with a printed note on the gift tag.
• A printed certificate for a promise, such as a home-cooked dinner or a day of help.

For a few more ideas that do not depend on shipping, browse our last-minute Christmas gifts, which are chosen to be easy to buy quickly.

Experience gifts you can book tonight

An experience is a good choice when there is nothing left to ship. Book a class, a show, a restaurant or a day out and give the details in a card. It feels planned instead of rushed, and the person gets something to look forward to in the new year.

• Tickets to a local show, game or museum, emailed or printed.
• A class or workshop, such as cooking, pottery or painting.
• A dinner reservation, with a gift card to cover part of the meal.
• A promise of time together, with a date on the calendar.

Our experience gift ideas cover many types and budgets, and they pair well with a handwritten card.

Christmas Eve and what to do if you miss a deadline

If a package will not arrive on time, do not panic. Tell the recipient, give them a card or a photo of the gift, and let them know it is on its way. A late gift with a kind note is still a gift.

Keep the budget in view even now. Last-minute shopping can lead to overspending, so set a limit before you start and stick to it. Our gifts under $25 help when you need a low-cost option.